Mexico broke diplomatic relations with Ecuador due to the invasion of the Mexican embassy in Quito by Ecuadorian police forces. The then-president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, ordered this measure after the government of Daniel Noboa justified the assault, arguing that a former official was going to flee the country.
In June 2024, after being elected as president, Claudia Sheinbaum was questioned about the possibility of restoring diplomatic ties with Ecuador. Sheinbaum stated that Ecuador must offer a public apology for the assault on the Mexican Embassy in Quito and recognize the right of asylum of the Ecuadorian former vice president Jorge Glas, in accordance with Mexico's demand before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Daniel Noboa, president of Ecuador, justified the imposition of a 27% tariff on Mexico, arguing an imbalance in trade, where Ecuador imports more than it exports. Sheinbaum responded by pointing out that trade with Ecuador represented only 0.4% and mentioned the difficulties in previous trade negotiations, where Mexico had refused to lift tariffs on Ecuadorian shrimp and bananas.
Regarding products exported by Mexico to Ecuador, the sale of medicines and therapeutic preparations stands out. On the other hand, Mexico imports cocoa, copper minerals, and their concentrates. Additionally, Jorge Glas, the former Ecuadorian vice president accused of embezzlement, is at the Mexican embassy in Quito requesting political asylum since December 2023.
